Howdon Wetlands and Big Waters on Friday

Managed to get to Howdon Wetlands and Big Waters on Friday for a couple of hours before heading to the Doctors.   Howdon was my first stop with a fair bit on view including Curlew, Redshanks, Teal, Tufted Duck, Snipe, Grey Heron and one of the Foxes having a wander round looking for an early morning Tit Bit. 

One of the many Grey Herons

 Fox on the Prowl (see video below)

 Cormorants galore on the Tyne behind the Hide

 Curlews coming in for a wander round

Short Video of the Fox Pouncing

I then shot off to Big Waters for an hour or so before commencing on a day of "Doing Non Wildlife Things" .  The numbers on the pond were building up but still couldn't catch a view of the elusive Pintail that I have been shown pictures of but never a view to be seen.  Did manage to get Kingfisher though, once a reliable bird to see but this year has been very scarce.  A few Snipe on the North Scrape were the only waders around although a few Lapwing did fly around but plenty of Wigeon, Teal, Mallards, Gadwall, Little Grebes and 7 Shovellers that dropped in but placed themselves directly behind the reeds again.  Ian D came in and a pleasant 30mins ensued discussing the major issues of the day and wondering if we were going to get to grips with the new Dr Who (strange watching him and no profanities).  A couple of Yellowhammers did appear in the Feeding Station along with the reliable Willow Tits and many others making it very busy at times

Tree Sparrow

 Chiffchaff

 Kingfisher

Yet another bad shot of a Shoveller

As I put my stuff into the Car a honking noise made me look up and there was 5 Greylags coming into the pond and also the birds of the day a couple of Whooper Swans but they were down onto the pond before I could get the picture machines out and unfortunately I had an appointment to get to.